Movie Opening Samples

Coming of age Openings

Once my team and I identified the specific genre we wanted to focus on, we began the process of searching for movies within that genre, which is coming of age. This is a very important step in our process as it allows us to get a better understanding of the genre and potential themes that are commonly associated with it. By analyzing these movie openings we can draw inspiration from when developing our own opening scene. I choose to look into the opening scenes for the following films: Lady Bird (2017) and The Virgin Suicides (1999). Both of these being very popular movies in the coming-of-age genre.

Lady Bird (2017)

The opening scene of "Lady Bird" is a remarkable display of filmmaking that immerses the audience in the complex relationship between Lady Bird and her mother, laying the emotional foundation for the rest of the film. It captures the essence of Lady Bird's rebellious spirit and her strained relationship with her mother, foreshadowing the challenges she will face as she navigates the transition to adulthood. The conversation between Lady Bird and her mother highlights the generational differences in their perspectives, reflecting the broader theme of the evolving parent-child dynamic. The main approach for this opening is conflict, the conflict being that Lady Bird wants to go to college on the East Coast while her mother does not want her to mainly due to financial issues. This approach is one that my team and I were planning to go for too. 

One aspect that could serve as a source of inspiration for our project is the simplicity of the credits and title used in the movie. The credits are displayed towards the end of the scene with a relatively small font size, which does not take away from the focus on Lady Bird at her school mass. This approach allows the audience to remain engaged in the moment without any distractions. When the title "Lady Bird" appears on the screen, the use of big, fancy font makes it stand out and creates an impact. It is a subtle yet effective way to introduce the movie's title and leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

The opening sequence of "The Virgin Suicides," directed by Sofia Coppola and released in 1999, is a wonderful introduction that sets the tone for the entire film, meaning that is its direct approach. The cinematography in this sequence creates a dreamlike atmosphere. This opening shows the approach of the film's tone and introduces the sisters as central characters, while also introducing the setting where these sisters reside. The Lisbon family residence, featured in this scene very strongly, takes on a character of its own which shows the importance of it very well. 

This opening has an amazing soundtrack, which not only complements the visuals but also plays an important role in establishing the emotion in the narration. It is a noteworthy element that I find worthy of considering for our own project since it can really enhance the viewer's engagement.

This opening relies a lot on narration. The narration comes from the commentary of a group of neighborhood boys who were captivated by the Lisbon sisters. This perspective adds a layer of reflection, framing the events through the lens of other people who are on the same page as the audience. I really like the use of keeping even some characters confused, to me that means people will pay attention more to detail. Something that leads to more engagement which is just what an opening should do. This technique shows the balance of offering content without fully revealing everything, keeping the audience intrigued and curious.

Lastly, I think my favorite part of this opening scene is the title. It is such a wonderful take on an artistic and unique title. It also really resonates with those who watch coming-of-age films, something like "silly doodles" makes it more relatable. That title slide makes the audience remember the film and plot better since it captivates them.